PLEASE don’t abandon Kinson Common.

This is the plea to residents following the discovery of firearms on the Bournemouth heathland.

The common area, which runs along Poole Lane, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a wetland of international importance (RAMSAR site).

Geoff Budden, chairman of the Friends of Kinson Common, said : “What has been discovered on the common is very worrying but I want to reiterate that Kinson Common is a safe place.

“I go out there every morning and there are still many people walking their dogs, people with children and the play area is busy.

“People are saying they are not going to the common any more because of what has happened. It’s a lovely area and we don’t want to turn people away from enjoying it.”

He added: “I don’t like hearing the scaremongering and negativity. We don’t deserve it.

“The common is an amazing wonderful place and we do our best to try and promote it.

“I understand why parents are worried but hopefully this discovery is a one-off and it could have happened anywhere.”